Westmoreland athletes of the week: Derry’s Dom DeLuca, Belle Vernon’s Kelsey Green

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 | 3:54 PM

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Dom DeLuca

School: Derry

Sport: Wrestling

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: DeLuca (48-6) finished second in the 220-pound weight class at the PIAA Class AA championships after losing to Bishop McCort's Anthony Walters by a 16-8 major decision Saturday in Hershey. DeLuca collected three wins on the way to the final match against Walters.

“I could have done better in the finals. It wasn't my best. I will be back, and I will be thinking of this loss come next year,” DeLuca said.

How do you think you have improved this season?

At the beginning of the year, I wasn't too confident, but at the end the year it was growing. I suffered an injury at team states, but I was able to battle through it.

How was the overall experience at Hershey this year?

I finished third last year. Being there last year and placing helped with my nerves this year. Being at Hershey on the big stage is just fun.

What will you work on during the offseason?

I need to get bigger and stronger. I will be working on lifting and working on my feet. I didn't really open up in the finals. I need to work on my leg attacks and my shots.

How does volleyball help you on the wrestling mat?

Most wrestlers don't play volleyball. It helps with your footwork a lot. You're always moving on the volleyball court. I'm always competing, whether it's football, wrestling or volleyball. I like to be out there with my friends and competing.

What is your prematch routine?

I wear the same underwear. Before the matches, I listen to music and I get some water or Gatorade in me. I block everyone out and social media so I can focus on my match.

Kelsey Green

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Basketball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Green, who averaged 8.1 points this season, scored 12 points for Belle Vernon (18-7) in a 74-43 loss to Beaver (19-6) in the first round of the PIAA Class 4A playoffs at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic on Saturday. Green led Belle Vernon with 165 rebounds, 87 assists, 82 steals and 39 blocks this season. Belle Vernon lost to Beaver, 63-32, in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs on Feb. 22. “I thought the whole season we did pretty good. Since we don't have a star, we played as a team this year. It got us far since we were working hard together as a team,” Green said.

What are your college plans for next year?

It's still up in the air at this time. I was thinking of going to Washington & Jefferson to play basketball. If not, I will to go to California (Pa.) or West Virginia. I want to major in pediatric speech pathology.

How would you describe your style of play?

I like to play fast. I'm pushing the ball and playing hard defense. Defense leads to offense.

What was your favorite memory this season?

Winning our first playoff game against Knoch because that was our first playoff win since I was in high school. It was really exciting for the team.

When you graduate, what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be known as a hard worker that pushes to be the best in what they do.

If you met anyone in history, whowould it be?

Michael Jordan because he's had so much success, and he has worked hard throughout his life.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Derry Area